Eligibility Indicators June, 2017

Transcription

1 Eligibility June, 2017 Version 5.4 (a revision to the November, 2016 version) The most current version of this document may be downloaded at on the Special Education Resources page. This guidance document will continue to be a working document and will be periodically updated based on input from its use in the field. Kansas State Department of Education June 2017 P a g e 1

2 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION... 3 ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION... 3 PRONG 1: DETERMINING WHETHER THE CHILD IS A CHILD WITH AN EXCEPTIONALITY... 3 PRONG 2: DETERMINING WHETHER THE CHILD NEEDS SPECIAL EDUCATION [SPECIALLY DESIGNED INSTRUCTION] AND RELATED SERVICES... 4 ELIGIBILITY, LABELS, AND SERVICES... 4 AUTISM... 5 DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY (AGE 9 AND YOUNGER)... 8 EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCE GIFTED INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY LEARNING DISABILITY MULTIPLE DISABILITIES ORTHOPEDIC IMPAIRMENT OTHER HEALTH IMPAIRMENT SENSORY IMPAIRMENTS HEARING IMPAIRMENT/DEAFNESS BLINDNESS/VISUAL IMPAIRMENT DEAF-BLINDNESS SPEECH OR LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENT TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS P a g e June 2017 Kansas State Department of Education

3 Introduction This document contains information about initial evaluation, including appropriate sources of data, eligibility determination, and includes Federal and State definitions of each exceptionality area as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It also provides information regarding exclusionary factors that must be considered and examples of indicators of eligibility to assist school personnel as they make decisions. The purpose of the document is to provide guidance to evaluation teams as they seek to address the two-prong test of eligibility when determining if a child is eligible for special education. These examples of indicators are not an exhaustive list, but provide guidance for evaluation teams. For further guidance and a more complete discussion of the initial evaluation process, see Chapter 3 in the Kansas Special Education Process Handbook. This important resource may be viewed and downloaded by accessing the Special Education Resources page at Eligibility Determination The initial evaluation must include a variety of assessment tools and strategies to gather relevant functional, developmental, and academic information. This includes information provided by the parent that may assist in determining whether the child is a child with an exceptionality, the educational needs of the child, and the content of the child s individualized education program (IEP), including information related to enabling the child to be involved, and progress in the general education curriculum or, for preschool children, to participate in appropriate activities (K.S.A (b)(1)). The Kansas Special Education Process Handbook outlines two methods of evaluation, (i) the child s response to scientific research-based intervention and (ii) a pattern of strengths and weaknesses, which are outlined in federal regulations with regard to the identification of children with specific learning disabilities. However, in Kansas, both are also appropriate to be used to determine eligibility for any of the areas of exceptionality. Regardless of the method chosen, evaluation teams will use existing and/or new data that comes from a variety of sources. The richest source of this information comes from the data collected in the provision of interventions. Interventions typically occur as a part of the General Education Intervention (GEI) process, but may also be collected from interventions conducted during the initial evaluation process. When interpreting evaluation data from either of the two methods of evaluation for the purpose of making an eligibility determination, the team must ensure (1) that the child meets the definition of one of the categories of exceptionality and, (2) as a result of that exceptionality, needs special education and related services (KAR (k)(w); 34 CFR 300.8). This is known as the two-prong test of eligibility. If a child meets the definition of an exceptionality category, but does not need special education and related services, s/he will not be determined to be eligible. If the child has a need for special education and related services, but does not meet the definition of an exceptionality category, s/he will not be determined to be eligible. In the case of a child who is found to have a disability, but does not need special education and related services, a referral for a Section 504 evaluation may be considered. Prong 1: Determining Whether the Child is a Child with an Exceptionality "Exceptional children" means children with disabilities and children identified as gifted (KAR (w)). "Child with a disability" means the following: (1) a child evaluated as having intellectual disability, hearing impairments including deafness, speech or language impairments, visual impairments including blindness, emotional disturbance, orthopedic impairments, autism, traumatic brain injury, other health impairments, specific learning disabilities, deaf-blindness, or multiple disabilities, and who, by reason thereof, needs special education and related services; and (2) for children ages three through nine, a child who is experiencing developmental delays and, by reason thereof, needs special education and related services ((KAR (k); CFR 300.8). When considering the first prong of the two-prong test of eligibility, the team reviews the initial evaluation and other data to determine whether or not the child is a child with an exceptionality. To do this, team members compare the data about the child to see if there is a match to one of the exceptionality categories defined in the regulations. However, even when the data points to a particular area of exceptionality, there are exclusionary factors that must be examined before determining the child is a child with an exceptionality. Regulations are very clear with regard to the fact that a child must NOT be determined to be a child with an exceptionality if: (a) the determinant factor is: Lack of appropriate instruction in reading, including the essential components of reading instruction (defined in section 9215(c) of Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) as explicit and systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency including oral reading skills, and reading comprehension strategies); or Lack of appropriate instruction in math; or Limited English proficiency; and (b) the child does not otherwise meet the eligibility criteria as a child with an exceptionality (KSA (f); KAR (c); 34 CFR (b)). Kansas State Department of Education June 2017 P a g e 3

4 In addition to these exclusionary factors which apply to all categories of disability, there are exclusionary factors specific to certain disabilities that must also be ruled out. Those factors are contained in this document and guidance is provided to assist teams in their evaluation of these factors as they determine eligibility. If the evaluation data indicate there is a match with a particular category of exceptionality and the team has ruled out the presence of any exclusionary factors, the team may determine that the child meets one of the requirements of eligibility as a child with an exceptionality (Prong 1 of the test of eligibility). If there is not a match or exclusionary factors are present, the team must determine that the child does not meet the eligibility of a child with an exceptionality. However, being gifted or having a disability does not necessarily qualify a child for special education services. Thus teams must also consider the component of the definition which states: and who, by reason thereof, needs special education and related services. Prong 2: Determining Whether the Child Needs Special Education [Specially Designed Instruction] and Related Services The second prong of the test of eligibility is to determine whether or not the child needs special education and related services as a result of the exceptionality. It is helpful for teams to remember that by definition special education means specially designed instruction (KAR (kkk); 34 CFR (a)(1)), and, that specially designed instruction means adapting the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction to address the unique needs of a child that result from the child s exceptionality to ensure access of the child to the general education curriculum in order to meet the educational standards that apply to all children (KAR (lll); 34 CFR (b)(3)(i-(ii)). This implies that in order to have a need for special education, the child has specific needs which are so unique as to require specially designed instruction in order to access and progress in the general education curriculum. Kansas regulations at KAR (c)(1-2), require that prior to referral for an initial evaluation the school must have data-based documentation of the following: (1) having provided appropriate instruction to the child in regular education settings that was delivered by qualified personnel; (2) repeatedly assessing the child s academic achievement at reasonable intervals which reflect formal assessment of the child s progress during instruction; (3) having provided the assessment results to the child s parents; and (4) the assessment results indicate an evaluation is appropriate. The data collected prior to referral must be documented as indicated above and, if the child goes on for evaluation, that data becomes an integral part of the eligibility determination of need. Whether the school is implementing a system of multi-tier system of supports or uses an individual problem solving approach (e.g. Student Improvement Team, Student Assistance Team, CARE, etc.) to carry out interventions and document the child s progress, the school will have data regarding the child s needs related to the intensity of instruction and supports required for the child to be successful. The team must review the evaluation data in such a way as to understand the extent of the child s needs with regard to specially designed instruction. Teams should be able to use the data to describe the intensity of the support needed to assist the child in accessing and progressing in the general education curriculum. It is only through this discussion that the team can determine whether or not the child s need for having adapted content, methodology, or delivery of instruction is so great that it cannot be provided without the support of special education. If the team determines that the child s need for having adapted content, methodology, or delivery of instruction is so great that it cannot be provided in regular education without the support of special education, the team may determine that the child needs special education and related services (Prong 2 of the eligibility test). If the data suggest the child s needs for instruction can be provided within regular education without the support of special education and related services, the team must determine that the child is not in need of special education and related services. Eligibility, Labels, and Services Once a child is identified as a child with a disability, determination of services to be provided are based on the child s needs, not on the child s label. In other words, children do not need to be identified with a label for each related service they receive. For example, a child with a learning disability does not need to have a secondary label as emotionally disturbed to receive counseling for emotional issues (see Gifted section for specifics of how this applies to students identified. For children determined to be eligible for special education and related services as a child with an exceptionality, the Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFPs) of the IEP should contain the evaluation information that describes the child s needs. The PLAAFPs must include information regarding academic achievement, functional performance, and the impact of the exceptionality on the child s ability to access and progress in the general education curriculum. 4 P a g e June 2017 Kansas State Department of Education

5 Autism KAR (f) "Autism" means a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three but not necessarily so, that adversely affects a child's educational performance. Other characteristics often associated with autism are engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements, resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines, and unusual responses to sensory experiences. The term shall not apply if a child's educational performance is adversely affected primarily because the child has an emotional disturbance. Exclusionary Criteria: A child must NOT be determined to be a child with an exceptionality if the determinant factor is: Exclusionary Factor Lack of appropriate instruction in reading, including the essential components of reading instruction (defined in section 9215(c) of ESEA); Lack of appropriate instruction in math; or How to Evaluate Evidence shows that the child s previous reading instruction and curriculum included explicit and systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading (fluency including oral reading skills), and reading comprehension strategies. This evidence may come from; (a) an evaluation of the school s basal curriculum and supplemental materials, (b) that the child actually received instruction provided by highly qualified teachers using appropriate basal curriculum and supplemental materials, and (c) records of intervention and progress monitoring indicating appropriate instructional adjustments based on child data. For a child three to five years old, who is not yet enrolled in kindergarten, teams should consider appropriate instruction as the child s participation in appropriate activities. This evidence may come from interviews with family and other caregivers and through observation in the child s natural environment that indicates whether or not the child has been exposed to activities appropriate for his/her age. Evidence shows that the child s previous math instruction and curriculum addressed math calculation, problem solving, and conceptual understanding. This evidence may come from; (a) an evaluation of the school s basal curriculum and supplemental materials, (b) that the child actually received instruction provided by highly qualified teachers using appropriate basal curriculum and supplemental materials, and (c) records of intervention and progress monitoring indicating appropriate instructional adjustments based on child data. For a child three to five years old, who is not yet enrolled in kindergarten, teams should consider appropriate instruction as the child s participation in appropriate activities. This evidence may come from interviews with family and other caregivers and through observation in the child s natural environment that indicates whether or not the child has been exposed to activities appropriate for his/her age. Limited English proficiency; If the child being evaluated is an English Learner, show evidence that the child was provided with appropriate accommodations and interventions to address it. Consider things such as proficiency in English and in the child s native language, amount of time in the country, level of education in the child s native country, etc. Also consider whether the child s rate of learning is different from those of similar language background and educational experience. If, in spite of appropriate accommodations and interventions, the child s learning difficulties persist, this factor is ruled out. and the child does not otherwise meet the eligibility criteria as a child with an exceptionality The term shall not apply if a child's educational performance is adversely affected primarily because the child has an emotional disturbance. Evidence shows that the child s learning difficulties are not due to factors other than those associated with the criteria for disabilities as defined in IDEA. For example, frequent moves, incarceration, substance abuse, chronic absenteeism, etc. The team should rule out the presence of an emotional disturbance. If the data the team collects matches the indicators for emotional disturbance, the child should be identified as a child with an emotional disturbance rather than a child with autism. Kansas State Department of Education June 2017 P a g e 5

6 Prong 1: Does the child exhibit an exceptionality? For meeting this prong of eligibility, the team must consider information and have data to support at least 1 indicator from each of the following numbered categories: 1. Evidence of a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal communication Measures, record reviews, interviews, and/or observations indicate child s skills in verbal communication are significantly different from peers. Abnormal volume, pitch, intonation, rate, rhythm, stress, prosody Limited ability to convey a range of emotions via words 2. Evidence of a developmental disability significantly affecting nonverbal communication Measures, record reviews, interviews, and/or observations indicate child s skills in nonverbal communication are significantly different from peers. Impairments in social use of eye contact Impairment in the use and understanding of body postures and gestures Limited ability to convey a range of emotions via expressions, tone of voice, gestures Inability to coordinate eye contact or body language with words or gestures 3. Evidence of a developmental disability significantly affecting social interaction Measures, record reviews, interviews, and/or observations indicate child s skills in social interaction are significantly different from peers. Abnormal social approaches Failure of normal back and forth conversation Reduced sharing of interests, emotions/affect Lack of initiation of social interaction Poor social imitation Inability to take another person s perspective (for children with a chronological age above 4 years) Difficulties adjusting behavior to social contexts Difficulties in sharing imaginative play Difficulties in making friends Absence of interest in others 4. Evidence of adverse effect on educational performance Measures, record reviews, interviews and/or observations indicate that the child s condition adversely impacts his/her educational performance. Other Supporting Information Measures, record reviews, interviews, and/or observations provide information which substantiates child characteristics such as engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements; resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines; and unusual responses to sensory experiences which are significantly different than peers. Records contain medical information or a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnosis (by appropriately trained and qualified diagnostician) that substantiates the elements of the Kansas definition. A diagnosis should be considered as supporting information. However, a diagnosis is not required, nor necessarily determinative, in eligibility decisions. 6 P a g e June 2017 Kansas State Department of Education

7 Prong 2: Does the child need special education [specially designed instruction] and related services? Progress monitoring data indicate intense or sustained resources needed in order for child to demonstrate adequate progress. Despite modifications of instruction, curriculum, and environment, the child does not make sufficient progress to meet age or state-approved grade-level standards in one or more academic areas. Progress monitoring data show that the child s behavior of concern is resistant to targeted supplemental and intensive interventions to address communication, social interaction, and/or academic skills. Progress monitoring data of increasingly customized and individually tailored instruction and intervention indicate that the child needs specially designed instruction to access the general curriculum. The interventions needed to obtain an adequate level of performance or adequate learning rate are too demanding to be implemented with integrity without special education and related services. Despite implementation of intensive interventions, which include purposeful instructional design and delivery, prioritized content, protected time and grouping, and performance monitoring, the child does not make sufficient progress to meet age or state-approved grade-level standards in one or more areas. For a child three to five years old, who is not yet enrolled in kindergarten Data indicate that a need for intense or sustained resources exists across settings, people, or situations. Data indicate that the disability has a substantial negative impact on the child s ability to participate in age appropriate activities. Kansas State Department of Education June 2017 P a g e 7

8 Developmental Delay (age 9 and younger) KAR (q) Developmental delay means such a deviation from average development in one or more of the following developmental areas that special education and related services are required: (A) Physical; (B) cognitive; (C) adaptive behavior; (D) communication; or, (E) social or emotional development The deviation from average development shall be documented and measured by appropriate diagnostic instruments and procedures. Exclusionary Criteria: A child must NOT be determined to be a child with an exceptionality if the determinant factor is: Exclusionary Factor Lack of appropriate instruction in reading, including the essential components of reading instruction (defined in section 9215(c) of ESEA); Lack of appropriate instruction in math; or How to Evaluate Evidence shows that the child s previous reading instruction and curriculum included explicit and systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency (including oral reading skills), and reading comprehension strategies. This evidence may come from; (a) an evaluation of the school s basal curriculum and supplemental materials, (b) that the child actually received instruction provided by highly qualified teachers using appropriate basal curriculum and supplemental materials, and (c) records of intervention and progress monitoring indicating appropriate instructional adjustments based on child data. For a child three to five years old, who is not yet enrolled in kindergarten, teams should consider appropriate instruction as the child s participation in appropriate activities. This evidence may come from interviews with family and other caregivers and through observation in the child s natural environment that indicates whether or not the child has been exposed to activities appropriate for his/her age. Evidence shows that the child s previous math instruction and curriculum addressed math calculation, problem solving, and conceptual understanding. This evidence may come from; (a) an evaluation of the school s basal curriculum and supplemental materials, (b) that the child actually received instruction provided by highly qualified teachers using appropriate basal curriculum and supplemental materials, and (c) records of intervention and progress monitoring indicating appropriate instructional adjustments based on child data. For a child three to five years old, who is not yet enrolled in kindergarten, teams should consider appropriate instruction as the child s participation in appropriate activities. This evidence may come from interviews with family and other caregivers and through observation in the child s natural environment that indicates whether or not the child has been exposed to activities appropriate for his/her age. Limited English proficiency; If the child being evaluated is an English Learner, show evidence that the child was provided with appropriate accommodations and interventions to address it. Consider things such as proficiency in English and in the child s native language, amount of time in the country, level of education in the child s native country, etc. Also consider whether the child s rate of learning is different from those of similar language background and educational experience. If, in spite of appropriate accommodations and interventions, the child s learning difficulties persist, this factor is ruled out. and the child does not otherwise meet the eligibility criteria as a child with an exceptionality Evidence shows that the child s learning difficulties are not due to factors other than those associated with the criteria for disabilities as defined in IDEA. For example, frequent moves, chronic absenteeism, etc. 8 P a g e June 2017 Kansas State Department of Education

9 Prong 1: Does the child exhibit an exceptionality? For meeting this prong of eligibility, the team must consider information and have data to support at least 1 indicator from each of the following numbered categories: 1. Records indicate child is age 9 or under. 2. Performance is significantly below developmental expectations on a criterion referenced instrument in one or more developmental areas. The developmental areas include: (1) Physical; (2) cognitive; (3) adaptive behavior; (4) communication; or (5) social or emotional development. Progress monitoring data displayed on charts or graphs show low rate of growth in educational performance despite provision of increasingly intense, explicit and systematic instructional interventions. Performance is significantly below normative sample on a standardized assessment in one or more developmental areas. Performance is significantly lower than peers on one or more benchmark assessments, curricular objectives, or state assessments. Measures, record reviews, interviews, and/or observations demonstrate significant deviation from average development in one or more developmental areas. For a child three to five years old, who is not yet enrolled in kindergarten: Measures, record reviews, interviews, and/or observations demonstrate significant deviation from average development in one or more developmental areas. Performance is significantly below normative sample on a standardized assessment in one or more developmental areas. Performance is significantly lower than peers on one or more curriculum based assessment, criterion referenced assessment, and/or performance assessment. Kansas State Department of Education June 2017 P a g e 9

10 Prong 2: Does the child need special education [specially designed instruction] and related services? Progress monitoring data indicate intense or sustained resources needed in order for child to: physically negotiate and manipulate the environment, or understand age appropriate information, reason, and solve problems, or exhibit developmentally appropriate adaptive skills, such as self-care, home living, community use, self-direction, health and safety, and functional academics, or convey and comprehend communication and social intent, or positively impact relationships with peers and adults, or initiate, respond to, and maintain positive social relationships, or meet behavioral expectations (e.g., following directions, rules, and routines). Despite modifications of instruction, curriculum, and environment, the child does not make sufficient progress to meet age or state-approved grade-level standards in one or more developmental areas. Progress monitoring data show low rate of growth in areas of concern despite provision of increasingly intense, explicit instructional interventions to address communication, social interaction, and/or academic skills. Progress monitoring data of increasingly customized and individually tailored instruction and intervention indicate that the child needs specially designed instruction to access the general curriculum. The interventions needed to obtain an adequate level of performance or adequate learning rate are too demanding to be implemented with integrity without special education and related services. Despite implementation of intensive interventions, which include purposeful instructional design and delivery, prioritized content, protected time and grouping, and performance monitoring, the child does not make sufficient progress to meet age or state-approved grade-level standards in one or more areas. For a child three to five years old, who is not yet enrolled in kindergarten Data collected through interviews with caregivers, observations in the natural environment, and assessments indicates intense or sustained resources needed in order for child to: physically negotiate and manipulate the environment, or understand age appropriate information, reason, and solve problems, or exhibit developmentally appropriate adaptive skills such as self-care, home living, community use, self-direction, health and safety, and functional academics, or convey and comprehend communication and social intent, or positively impact relationships with peers and adults, or initiate, respond to, and maintain positive social relationships, or meet behavioral expectations (e.g., following directions, rules, and routines). Data indicate that a need for intense or sustained resources exists across settings, people, or situations. Despite extra support, the child continues to make minimal or no progress. Data indicate that the disability has a substantial negative impact on the child s ability to participate in age appropriate activities. 10 P a g e June 2017 Kansas State Department of Education

11 Emotional Disturbance KAR (v) Emotional disturbance" means a condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects a child s educational performance: (1) An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors; (2) an inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers; (3) inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances; (4) a general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression; or (5) a tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems. The term includes schizophrenia, but shall not apply to children who are socially maladjusted, unless it is determined that they have an emotional disturbance. Exclusionary Criteria: A child must NOT be determined to be a child with an exceptionality if the determinant factor is: Exclusionary Factor Lack of appropriate instruction in reading, including the essential components of reading instruction (defined in section 9215(c) of ESEA); Lack of appropriate instruction in math; or How to Evaluate Evidence shows that the child s previous reading instruction and curriculum included explicit and systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency (including oral reading skills), and reading comprehension strategies. This evidence may come from; (a) an evaluation of the school s basal curriculum and supplemental materials, (b) that the child actually received instruction provided by highly qualified teachers using appropriate basal curriculum and supplemental materials, and (c) records of intervention and progress monitoring data indicating appropriate instructional adjustments based on child data. For a child three to five years old, who is not yet enrolled in kindergarten, teams should consider appropriate instruction as the child s participation in appropriate activities. This evidence may come from interviews with family and other caregivers and through observations in the child s natural environment that indicates whether or not the child has been exposed to activities appropriate for his/her age. Evidence shows that the child s previous math instruction and curriculum addressed math calculation, problem solving, and conceptual understanding. This evidence may come from; (a) an evaluation of the school s basal curriculum and supplemental materials, (b) that the child actually received instruction provided by highly qualified teachers using appropriate basal curriculum and supplemental materials, and (c) records of intervention and progress monitoring data indicating appropriate instructional adjustments based on child data. For a child three to five years old, who is not yet enrolled in kindergarten, teams should consider appropriate instruction as the child s participation in appropriate activities. This evidence may come from interviews with family and other caregivers and through observations in the child s natural environment that indicates whether or not the child has been exposed to activities appropriate for his/her age. Limited English proficiency; If the child being evaluated is an English Learner, show evidence that the child was provided with appropriate accommodations and interventions to address it. Consider things such as proficiency in English and in the child s native language, amount of time in the country, level of education in the child s native country, etc. Also, consider whether the child s rate of learning is different from those of similar language background and educational experience. If, in spite of appropriate accommodations and interventions, the child s learning difficulties persist, this factor is ruled out. and the child does not otherwise meet the eligibility criteria as a child with an exceptionality. The child may not be socially maladjusted, unless it is determined that he/she also has an emotional disturbance. Evidence shows that the child s learning difficulties are due to factors other than those associated with the criteria for disabilities as defined in IDEA. For example, frequent moves, incarceration, substance abuse, chronic absenteeism, etc. Courts have interpreted social maladjustment to mean a conduct disorder. Teams should review records to rule out that the child has been identified as a child having a conduct disorder, unless other evidence that the child also has an emotional disturbance exists. Kansas State Department of Education June 2017 P a g e 11

12 Prong 1: Does the child exhibit an exceptionality? For meeting this prong of eligibility the team must consider information and have data to support at least 1 indicator from each of the following numbered categories: 1. Characteristics of Emotional Disturbance. Measures, record reviews, interviews, and/or observations indicate levels of physical symptoms or fears which are different from peers and are correlated with school problems. Measures, record reviews, interviews, and/or observations indicate child exhibits inappropriate behaviors or feelings under normal circumstances. Measures, record reviews, interviews, and/or observations indicate an inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers. Measures, record reviews, interviews, and/or observations indicate a pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression. 2. Evidence that characteristics have been exhibited over a long period of time. Measures, record reviews, interviews, and/or observations indicate that emotional difficulties have been exhibited over a long period of time. 3. Evidence that characteristics are exhibited to marked degree. Measures indicate behavioral and emotional characteristics are exhibited to a marked degree when compared to peers. 4. Evidence that behavior adversely affects educational performance. Measures, record reviews, interviews, and/or observations indicate that emotional characteristics are adversely affecting the child s educational performance. Educational performance includes academic performance as well as the ability to function within the learning environment such as appropriate participation in large group, small group, or individual learning settings. Measures, record reviews, interviews, and/or observations indicate an inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors. Progress monitoring data displayed on charts or graphs show low rate of growth in educational performance despite provision of increasingly intense, explicit and systematic instructional interventions. Other Supporting Information Records document a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnosis (by appropriately trained and qualified diagnostician) that substantiates the elements of the Kansas definition. A medical diagnosis should be considered as supporting information. However, a diagnosis is not required, nor necessarily determinative, in eligibility decisions. 12 P a g e June 2017 Kansas State Department of Education

13 Prong 2: Does the child need special education [specially designed instruction] and related services? Progress monitoring data indicate intense or sustained resources are needed in order for child to demonstrate adequate progress. Despite modifications of instruction, curriculum, and environment, the child does not make sufficient progress to meet age or state-approved grade-level standards in one or more areas. Modifications of instruction, curriculum, and the environment have not adequately addressed the behaviors, feelings, relationships, moods, fears, or physical symptoms that adversely affect the child s educational performance. Progress monitoring data displayed on charts or graphs show low rate of improvement in the behavior of concern despite provision of increasingly intense, explicit and systematic instructional interventions. The interventions needed to obtain an adequate level of performance or adequate learning rate are too demanding to be implemented with integrity without special education and related services. Progress monitoring data of increasingly customized and individually tailored instruction and intervention indicate that the child needs specially designed instruction to access the general curriculum. For a child three to five years old, who is not yet enrolled in kindergarten Data indicate that a need for intense or sustained resources exists across settings, people, or situations. Data indicate that the disability has a substantial negative impact on the child s ability to participate in age appropriate activities. Kansas State Department of Education June 2017 P a g e 13

14 Gifted KAR (bb) "Gifted" means performing or demonstrating the potential for performing at significantly higher levels of accomplishment in one or more academic fields due to intellectual ability, when compared to others of similar age, experience and environment. Prong 1: Does the child exhibit an exceptionality? For meeting this prong of eligibility the team must consider information and have data to support at least 1 indicator from each of the following numbered categories: 1. Evidence of performing or demonstrating the potential for performing at significantly higher levels of accomplishment in one or more academic fields Measures, record reviews, interviews, and/or observations indicate child demonstrates superior reasoning and problem solving ability. Progress monitoring indicates child s skill level in one or more academic areas is much above that of peers. Grade Point Average, classroom assessments, portfolios, or rubrics indicate significant excellence in academics. District, state, and national assessments indicate significant excellence in academics. A rank of not less than the 95th percentile on national norms on a standardized, norm-referenced achievement test in one or more of the academic fields (mathematics, language arts (including reading), science, and social science), or evidence that such test scores do not adequately reflect the child's excellence in academics. Consider things such as proficiency in English and in the child s native language, amount of time in the country, level of education in the child s native country, etc. Also consider whether the child s rate of learning is different from those of similar language background and educational experience. College entrance exams indicate significant excellence in academics. Pre-tests consistently indicate child has already mastered end of unit/curricular objectives prior to instruction. 2. Evidence of being due to intellectual ability Measures, record reviews, interviews, and/or observations indicate child shows persistent intellectual curiosity and asks searching questions. Measures, record reviews, interviews, and/or observations indicate child shows initiative and originality in intellectual work. Ease of task completion indicates a significantly high level of intellectual ability. Rate of acquisition and retention indicate a significantly high level of intellectual ability. Products from home or school indicate a significantly high level of intellectual ability. A composite rank of not less than the 97th percentile on an individually administered, standardized, norm-referenced test of intellectual ability, or evidence that the child's standardized, intelligence test score does not adequately reflect the child's high intellectual potential. Consider things such as proficiency in English and in the child s native language, amount of time in the country, level of education in the child s native country, etc. Also consider whether the child s rate of learning is different from those of similar language background and educational experience. 3. Evidenced that when compared to others of similar age, experience and environment Multiple characteristics of giftedness exhibited when interventions provide adaptations, enrichment, or acceleration as compared to peers, with consideration given to cultural or linguistic differences. Persistence to task and generalization of knowledge gained indicate a remarkably high level of accomplishment. Coursework analysis indicates a significantly high level of intellectual ability and excellence in academics when provided with interventions. Performance significantly higher than peers in one or more areas on benchmark assessments, curricular objectives, or state assessments, with consideration given to cultural or linguistic differences. 14 P a g e June 2017 Kansas State Department of Education

15 Prong 2: Does the child need special education [specially designed instruction] and related services? Progress monitoring data indicate intense or sustained resources needed in order for child to demonstrate appropriate progress. Evidence of mastery of successive levels of instructional objectives or course requirements indicates the need for intensive adaptations or acceleration. Progress monitoring data show that differentiated instruction and targeted interventions are insufficient for child to demonstrate appropriate progress. Progress monitoring data of increasingly customized and individually tailored instruction and intervention indicate that the child needs specially designed instruction to access the general curriculum at appropriate levels of instruction. Intensive changes or modifications needed in instruction, curriculum, grouping, assignments, etc. for the child to demonstrate appropriate progress. Evidence of child s frustration with enriched instructional environments indicates the need for intensive adaptations or acceleration. General education interventions such as alternative course selections or cross-age grouping are insufficient to support the child s progress. NOTE: A child may be found eligible as having both giftedness as defined by KAR and as having a disability area under IDEA. The child must meet the eligibility criteria for both the disability and giftedness. If a child is identified for both gifted and a disability, the disability should be entered as the primary exceptionality in the MIS system. Children who are identified as both a child with a disability and gifted may receive any related services for which there is a documented need. Children identified only as gifted may receive only the related services of counseling services, parent counseling, school psychological services, school social work services, and transportation. Even if the child shows a weakness in an area (such as written language), the child cannot be provided with a related service to address the weakness unless the child meets the eligibility criteria for a disability under IDEA. Kansas State Department of Education June 2017 P a g e 15

16 Intellectual Disability KAR (oo) "Intellectual Disability" means significantly sub-average general intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior and manifested during the developmental period, which adversely affects a child s educational performance. Exclusionary Criteria: A child must NOT be determined to be a child with an exceptionality if the determinant factor is: Exclusionary Factor Lack of appropriate instruction in reading, including the essential components of reading instruction (defined in 9215(c) of ESEA); Lack of appropriate instruction in math; or How to Evaluate Evidence shows that the child s previous reading instruction and curriculum included explicit and systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency (including oral reading skills), and reading comprehension strategies. This evidence may come from; (a) an evaluation of the school s basal curriculum and supplemental materials, (b) that the child actually received instruction provided by highly qualified teachers using appropriate basal curriculum and supplemental materials, and (c) records of intervention and progress monitoring indicating appropriate instructional adjustments based on child data. For a child three to five years old, who is not yet enrolled in kindergarten, teams should consider appropriate instruction as the child s participation in appropriate activities. This evidence may come from interviews with family and other caregivers and through observation in the child s natural environment that indicates whether or not the child has been exposed to activities appropriate for his/her age. Evidence shows that the child s previous math instruction and curriculum addressed math calculation, problem solving, and conceptual understanding. This evidence may come from; (a) an evaluation of the school s basal curriculum and supplemental materials, (b) that the child actually received instruction provided by highly qualified teachers using appropriate basal curriculum and supplemental materials, and (c) records of intervention and progress monitoring indicating appropriate instructional adjustments based on child data. For a child three to five years old, who is not yet enrolled in kindergarten, teams should consider appropriate instruction as the child s participation in appropriate activities. This evidence may come from interviews with family and other caregivers and through observation in the child s natural environment that indicates whether or not the child has been exposed to activities appropriate for his/her age. Limited English proficiency; and If the child being evaluated is an English Learner, show evidence that the child was provided with appropriate accommodations and interventions to address it. Consider things such as proficiency in English and in the child s native language, amount of time in the country, level of education in the child s native country, etc. Also consider whether the child s rate of learning is different from those of similar language background and educational experience. If, in spite of appropriate accommodations and interventions, the child s learning difficulties persist, this factor is ruled out. the child does not otherwise meet the eligibility criteria as a child with an exceptionality Evidence shows that the child s learning difficulties are due to factors other than those associated with the criteria for disabilities as defined in IDEA. For example, frequent moves, incarceration, substance abuse, chronic absenteeism, etc. 16 P a g e June 2017 Kansas State Department of Education

17 Prong 1: Does the child exhibit an exceptionality? For meeting this prong of eligibility, the team must consider information and have data to support at least 1 indicator from each of the following numbered categories: 1. Information relating to sub-average general intellectual functioning Rate of learning, as measured by progress monitoring, is markedly different from peers. Childs s score is significantly below the mean on an individually administered, standardized, norm-referenced test of intellectual ability, with consideration given to cultural or linguistic differences. 2. Information related to deficits in adaptive behavior Measures, records, interviews, and/or observations indicate significant deficits across adaptive behavior areas, such as conceptual skills, social skills, and practical skills, with consideration given to cultural or linguistic differences. 3. Information related to initial occurrence during the developmental period Measures, records and/or interviews indicate deficits in adaptive behavior and low intellectual functioning were manifested during the developmental period. Measures, records, interviews, and/or observations indicate adaptive behavior deficits have occurred over an extended period of time. 4. Evidence of Adverse Effects on Educational Performance Measures, records, interviews, and/or observations indicate child s level of educational performance has been significantly below age or state-approved grade level standards. Performance is significantly below age or state-approved grade level standards when measured on benchmark assessments, curricular objectives, or state assessments. Measures of academic achievement indicate significant delays across subject areas, with consideration given to cultural or linguistic differences. Other Supporting Information Record reviews show Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnosis (by clinical psychologist or other appropriately trained and qualified diagnostician) that substantiates the elements of the Kansas definition. A medical diagnosis should be considered as supporting information. However, a diagnosis is not required, nor necessarily determinative, in eligibility decisions. Kansas State Department of Education June 2017 P a g e 17